Details

I've got the "big" stuff for our trip to Japan taken care of (plane tickets, rail pass vouchers, hotel reservations in Kyoto, bike tour booking), now it's just a question of taking care of the details. You know, little things like: what exactly so we want to see in Japan? How much money should we bring with us? How will I get around all by myself in Tokyo?

There's also stuff at home to consider as well: Maxime's food, diapers, formula, schedule, do's and dont's, Émilie's daycare routine, and various other little things that are really important but I just can't think of right this instant. Every time I speak to my Dad on the phone, he asks me if I've started making all these lists. Um... No, not yet. Considering that we're leaving in three weeks, I'm starting to feel a little panicked.

BUT I did do one super important thing yesterday: I checked Air Canada's website and confirmed that knitting needles are indeed allowed on the plane. Whew!!! Seriously, a 17 hour flight and no knitting? Dere's gonna be bwood (no, that's not a type-o, it's an homage to my nephew Sean, who uttered these timeless words after he bonked his head when he was about three).

As far as knitting goes, there are details that need to be taken care of as well. For instance, did you know that the likelihood of eventually getting an honest to goodness Finished Object is greatly increased if you actually concentrate your knitting efforts on one project at a time??? CRAZY, right??? An example of this would be Josephine: I'm beginning to suspect that the reason that she hasn't gotten any closer to completion may be related to the fact that I'm not actually devoting any knitting time to her. Something to ponder.

I HAVE made some progress on my Embossed Leaves socks. First off, lemme just say that I absolutely LOVE this yarn. The subtle variations in colour are keeping me entranced, and are just perfect for this kind of lace pattern. And can I just say now how fantastic knitting with a sport/medium weight yarn is??? Seriously, I put in about an hour's worth of knitting time last night, and I went from an itty-bitty cuff to a genuine sock leg. Too cool (if, you know, you're a yarn geek). As you can see, I'm also using my Harmony wood dpns, and I couldn't be happier with them. I've been wanting to use wood needles for a while, now, but couldn't find any that suited me (they were all too bendy). These are sturdy, lightweight, and just plain pretty. I'm in love, and SO happy I bought the complete sock set.

I'm going to backtrack a bit here to send a big shout out to Sandra and Stéphanie who, along with Kate-the-Enabler and wee Liam, made it out to our first ever LavalKnits meeting Wednesday night. We had a blast and a half, and I'm really hoping to make this a regular "thing". Speaking of Kate, I've just got to mention that if you ever meet her in person, and are a fan of the Muppet Show? You've got to get her to do the Swedish Chef for you. Seriously, I practically peed myself, it was so funny. This one's for you, Kate :)



Finally, I'll leave you with this picture of my little angels, taken yesterday morning. It's one of the better shots we've gotten of both kids in a while (you know, no crying, screaming, red eyes or "hey-look-you-can-see-all-my-teeth-at-the-same-time" smiles). They're just the best kids ever (mother's heart swelling with pride here!).